Who's Afraid of Books & Music?
I'm a writer. Always have been. I'm also a musician. I even went on tour with a rock band in the 90s. So what? What does that have to do with affiliate marketing?
One word: fear.
Someone's Already Done It
I've seen several comments on WA lately about being afraid to go after a particular niche because it has already been done before. I've already talked about competition, so I call hogwash on that.
But, for the sake of argument, let's say that there is already a bazillion websites out there on your potential niche. Now what?
Books and Music
Have you ever read a book? I know, it's a bit of a dumb question, but go with me for a minute.
Now, if you've ever read a single book, have you ever read another book on the same topic, or in the case of fiction, the same genre? Why would you do that? Didn't someone already cover it in the first book?
Have you ever listened to a song? Did you ever listen to a second song? Why? Someone already made a song.
Are you starting to see the point?
Books about vampires have been around forever. That didn't stop the Twilight series from being written. Tolkien totally nailed the fantasy genre, but that didn't stop Harry Potter.
And they're all written with the same words.
Beethoven doesn't sound anything like Beyonce. Mozart sounds nothing like Metallica.
But they all use the same 12 notes.
How do you explain that?
What's Your Spin?
The reason new books and songs are written every day is because each artist has their own particular "spin" on them. The same applies to your niche.
Just because someone already has a site doesn't mean they have your point-of-view about the topic. They don't have your voice or style. They don't have... you.
Go for it. :-)
Recent Comments
17
Great!
I like this phrase:"Beethoven doesn't sound anything like Beyonce"
It's true with the same tools we all succeed in creating our differrence. Just go there and don't hesitate to stand out from the rest.
Have a nice weekend!
Ingrid
Exactly. That's the "secret" behind my belief that there is really no such thing as competition. We're all unique and no one else can compete against your most valuable asset... YOU. :-)
This is a great message. Actually, if someone has already had a site on your niche subject, maybe that is good, because that means people have more choices. That's a good thing. Different slants on the same subject can come up with very different results.
"Different slants on the same subject can come up with very different results."
Exactly. Couldn't have said it better myself. :-)
Thanks.
So true AJ. Sometimes when I'm spinning my posts, I stop to ask myself, "Is this normal? Proper? Like everyone else writes?" When I can say "Heck No!" I feel good about it.
Thanks for this A.J., because new and different voices are the ones most often heard.
P.S. When I find an author I truly enjoy reading, I search out all the books written by that author!
Hi - my three favourite things - writing, reading and music! (And cooking is fourth). To break it down - writing, because I am a professional web writer and proofreader. Reading - I have over 4000 books on my Kindle and can finish a full book in a night. Music - my boyfriend is a guitarist and songwriter and I manage and promote his heavy metal band.
What instrument do you play? This is a great post, all the best for 2019, Diane
Hey, all of life is a competition, so just jump in the game, take your place and do the best you can.
Thanks for your post!
C & P
Exactly... and that's what makes it fun. What a boring existence if there was no "game". :-)
Great analogy. Do not be afraid of a little competition. No competition, probably not much money in that niche.
Mark
Absolutely. I heard a great statement the other day. The speaker said he doesn't see them as competition; he sees them as future joint venture partners. :-)
Great post! Thank you for sharing! I have been a "Bookman" most of my life! I like books so much it is my niche!
Michael Inman
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Hey AJ,
Yeah they can't have your ideas!
Tried and True
Elaine